Chapter 26
“First things first. Floggen do you have any weapons on board?” Questions Kol.
“Why? I’m contracted to sail the ship not fight that’s your problem.” He answers looking at the sky turn dark.
“You’re as lazy as you are short.” Snaps Hallthor.
“Thanks. And you are as ugly as you are dumb.” He snaps back.
“Ladies please, we have other things to worry about right now, you can continue your flirting later.” Exclaims Kol.
“Here it comes! Listen!” Yells Curios.
A large scream erupts rolling across the water as a huge man emerges from the water covered in seaweed. Towering over them at fifty feet his clothes are ripped and hanging off of his massive body which fades into smoke for a second and then appears again, his eyes are yellow matching his teeth and from the knees down he is composed of half a row boat. His weathered old hands are holding a giant oar that he is using to slowly row towards them.
“A draugen!” Yells Hallthor throwing one of his hammers at it.
Their hopes are dashed when the hammer sails right through the draugen without doing any damage at all.
“What the hell is a draugen?” Questions Curios staring in awe.
“He’s the ghost of a man that died at sea he’s fond of sinking ships and drowning fishermen and sailors.” Answers Kol firing a bolt of magic at the creature.
Expecting it to go right through like the last attack, Kol is surprised when his shot knocks the creature back a little.
His two friends look at him for a second with some respect.
Shrugging Kol simply says. “Who knew?”
“I don’t mean to be pushy but that thing is in the way of where we have to go.” Yawns Floggen.
“Really? What are the odds? Who would have ever thought that an evil force would appear to attack and be right in the path we have to travel? Damn the luck! Why cruel world? Why?!” Yells Hallthor sarcastically.
“Ha, ha, ha. You know, I really kind of hope you die in the next few minutes.” Replies Floggen serenely.
“I’ll handle the creature, you guys sail around it and when I’m done I’ll catch up.” Demands Kol lifting into the air.
“And how do you hope to defeat that thing?” Questions Curios grabbing onto Kol’s feet so he lifts up with him dangling in the air.
“Seriously? This is your plan to keep me on the ship holding on to my feet?”
“Better than my plan, I was going to hit you in the head with my hammer.” Says Hallthor spinning it his hand.
Dropping to the deck Kol can’t help but smile at their protectiveness. “Listen guys, I know you want to help but this thing is a ghost, your powers won’t even hurt it. I’m the only one who even stands a chance against it; I have to do this alone. Just get to safety, you nearly died once already because of me. I won’t risk your safety you guys mean to much to me, now get out of here.”
The others want to argue but in the end they know Kol is probably right, sorrowfully they watch as the Draugen draws closer and their brother Kol walks up to Floggen.
“Do me a favor Floggen and get them to safety as quick as you can and no matter what happens keep going do not let them come back for me. I know you don’t like Hallthor but that guy is my brother, please don’t let anything happen to him or Curios.”
“A little secret for you Kol, I like the guy he’s got guts. Not many people tell me the truth or have the guts to keep jabbing at me, I’ll watch out for your brothers I give you my word.” He says socking Kol in the arm. “Good luck kid, I hope you survive.”
Without another word Kol shoots into the air firing bolt after bolt of magic at the ghost trying to keep it at bay while the ship sails around. For the first few minutes it seems like Kol might actually pull it off, he’s flying at such a great speed that the ghost is unable to grab or hit him. Each blast he fires sends a shock through the creature driving it back into the sea but then out of nowhere water creeps up behind Kol wrapping him tightly and dragging him to the hand of the Draugen. Frantically Kol struggles to get free as Curios and Hallthor run to the edge watching in revulsion.
“We’ve got to help him.” Yells Hallthor.
“No you’ve got to continue on, Kol risked himself to save you both honor him by living to fight another day.” Says Floggen shortly.
“I’ll honor him alright by saving his life.” Says Curios diving into the water.
“I’m right behind you Curios.” Shouts Hallthor getting ready to fly into the air.
Before he can Floggen tackles him to the deck pinning him to it.
“You crazy little freak what the hell are you doing? Let me go!”
“Not a chance kid, I said I’d protect you two and I’m going to damn it!” Yells Floggen quickly tethering his hands together and then to the mast.
“What about Curios? He already got away, you already failed so just let me go! I’ll tell you what, if you let me go I’ll head out and bring him back quick as a flash.” Struggles Hallthor against the rope.
“I don’t think so pal.” Floggen says heading back towards the helm.
“But I’ve got to help them!”
“Relax you bone head, I may regret this but I’m heading back to help. After all no one lives forever right?” He laughs turning the ship around.
“I admire your courage but how do you really think you can help? It’s a ghost remember?”
“And this is a magic ship, if magic can hurt it then when I ram into the thing it should do some major damage. Or it’ll fail completely we’ll sail right through it and he’ll destroy us in devastating manner.” Replies Floggen matter-of-factly.
As they speed towards the creature the two of them can see Curios cutting through the water about to reach the Draugen, right before reaching it Curios dives under the water disappearing from sight for a moment.
“Hurry Floggen.” Urges Hallthor.
Suddenly Curios explodes riding the water straight up to the fist holding Kol, with just a touch water flows in between the creatures fingers prying the hand open dropping Kol onto the spout of water that speeds away in an instant carrying the two of them back to the ship and safety for the time being.
Gently the water deposits the two of them on the deck near Hallthor.
“Glad to see that you were able to keep at least one of them here.” Mutters Kol turning back towards the creature ready to go and fight again.
“Kol hold on we can do this together and we have some help on the way.” Says Curios.
“Plus since the ship is magic Floggen thinks it might be able to harm the creature if we ram it.” Says Hallthor still struggling against the rope. “A little help here.”
Walking up to the others Floggen slaps Hallthor on the shoulder as he passes. “You’re fine relax thunderbolt. Now whatever you’re going to do you better do it quickly the thing is heading straight for us.”
“Okay what’s the help you have on the way?” Questions Kol looking at Curios.
“A kraken.” He answers with a huge smile.
“Nice. Very nice.”
“What are you thinking Kol?”
“Watch this.” Replies Kol throwing his hands in the air.
Fog rolls across the water immersing the entire ship and Draugen in a cover so thick they can’t see ten feet in front of them.
“How are we supposed to attack the creature if we can’t see him?” Questions Floggen with a frown.
“Wait for it.”
As they watch the fog slowly pulls together in five different places creating duplicate looking ships complete with clones of them on it.
“That’ll buy us a little time now for the next part of the plan, whereas we’re waiting for the kraken we will attack with the ship, I will have one of my ships made out of illusion head towards the creature drawing his attention when he turns we will attack from behind and then hopefully the kraken will be here and able to finish it off.”
“It should, whatever else this thing may be i
t is still a creature of the sea. If my powers can hurt it so should the kraken.” Reasons Curios.
“Then it’s show time.”
“Are you guys seriously going to leave me tied to the mast?” Questions Hallthor sitting against the mast dejectedly.
“Of course not Hallthor.” Laughs Kol. “Floggen, would you do the honors?”
“Nope.” Floggen says walking past Hallthor with a laugh. “I’m needed at the helm.”
“You foul little troll!”
“Hey! That’s hitting below the belt!” Snaps Floggen.
“You’d know all about hitting below the belt wouldn’t you shorty?” He taunts.
“Tuff talk, say that to my face.”
“I’m sitting down come here and I will.” Replies Hallthor as Curios cuts him free.
“Guys, big picture here come on.” Whines Kol pointing back at the monster. “The illusion ship is almost to him.”
“Right, let’s do this!” Yells Floggen urging the ship towards the creature.
The plan works perfectly, the ship hits the monster with an eerie creek shattering the boat and destroying some of the legs, as the ship plows through the Draugen falls backwards landing on the surface of the water wailing in anger. His screams are cut short by the kraken’s sudden appearance, as the four of them watch the giant octopus wrap the entire creature in its tentacles pulling it apart in one movement.
“Masterfully done demigods, you have proved to me that you are brave and true to each other and resourceful enough to use your abilities wisely. I, like many others, had to make sure of the hero you proclaim to be, unfortunately the gods will each want to make their own judgment by I will do my best to convince the others that no more such tests are needed and as a courtesy to my fellow sea gods son I will send strong winds and good torrents to aid you.”
The four of them look directly off the railing to see Njord, Norse god of the sea. His green sea weed colored hair is surrounding his face framing it perfectly as it hangs down a little past his shoulders. His blue eyes off set the green mustache and beard hanging from his face down over his chest, the hair slightly covers his gold colored armor which is made from the bones of a shark covering his chest with the designs of scales. His bare arms are rippling and muscular ending in strong and weathered hands. His brown pants are held in place by a giant belt with a circular buckle that looks like an eye staring at everything and his feet are bare and notably webbed.
“Great Njord, thank you for your help.” Bows Curios.
“It was my pleasure and the least I could do after putting you all through my little test.” Answers Njord. “You must be tired of these tests by now.”
“In truth Lord Njord, I fear that it will always be this way for me and anyone who calls themselves my friend or family.” Answers Kol.
“It will not always be such Kol, the importance of this quest goes beyond the testing of you for being a child of Loki, but as demigods you will always be part of two worlds. The gods, mortals and monsters will always be interested in what you do and who you are, sometimes you will be praised, other times will you be rewarded and then there are the dark times you will be punished or attacked. This is the life of the children of the gods.” He answers. “But how much of everything happens is up to you and the choices you make.”
“Then we will be praised and rewarded often.” Smiles Hallthor.
“I believe you will. Now speed you along your way demigods.” Smiles Njord flipping backwards into the water and disappearing.
“Ah to be young and the gods punching bag.” Laughs Floggen turning the ship around to head back towards Ktn.
“Who said that?” Questions Hallthor looking all around the ship for a minute before focusing on the helm. “Oh Floggen it was you, I didn’t see you there over the helm.”
“Maybe it’s not that I’m short but instead your head is so far up your…” He begins.
“Look.” Interrupts Kol pointing to the sky.
They all look up to see the eagle circling for a landing.
After it lands Kol enthusiastically presses the button to hear the message.
“Sounds like they could really use that help.” Frowns Kol. “We were being tested but it sounds to me like the god after them is playing for keeps.”
“I’m surprised that my father has allowed it to go so far, Pontos shouldn’t be interfering so much, he doesn’t have any authority anymore.” Scowls Curios.
“I say we send the kraken to help them and stay with them until they get to Melos.” Comments Hallthor while making faces at Floggen.
“What if we need it again though?” Asks Floggen.
“We’ll make due, they don’t have the advantage we do with Curios and they have to sail a non-magic ship by themselves.” Answers Kol.
“I agree, I will pray to my father and let him know what Pontos is doing and I will send the kraken to help them now.” Agrees Curios going to rail and jumping over.
Before he can hit the water a large man appears from nowhere grabbing Curios and throwing him back on the deck. Evilly the man smiles staring at the demigods in silence for a second until Curios growls at the man.
“Ares, what do you think you’re doing?”
Swift as light Ares has the point of his sword at Curios throat but before he can gloat both of Hallthor’s hammers hit him one in the chest and one in the head sending him flying into the water. Curios tried to rise but immediately Hallthor flies into him having been thrown by Eris who appeared behind them. Swiftly she turns her fury towards Kol with a blast of chaos energy gleefully until it sails right through Kol and he disappears.
Suddenly a blast of magic hits her in the back sending her into the water next to Ares who has just returned to the surface boiling with wrath.
“I don’t know who you are but no one attacks one of my family.” Kol glows with power of his own lifting his friends to their feet.
The two gods shoot out of the water floating above the ship with power glowing and swirling around them.
“I am Ares Greek god of war! And this is my sister Eris Greek goddess of discord!” Shouts Ares. “Prepare to die!”
Kol stands between them and his friends ready for the attack when suddenly Floggen yells at the duo surprising everyone.
“Ares you dunderheaded fool! Look what you’re doing to my ship! I always knew you were thick but can’t you see they were just protecting their friend? These are Norse demigods how the hell were they supposed to know who you are?”
“Hold your tongue Floggen before you too feel my wrath!”
“I’m all shook up, now did you have a reason to be here or are you just defying Zeus’ orders for fun, if so a quick prayer and I’m sure he’ll be here.” Replies Floggen coolly.
With a glance at Eris who looks to the sky fearfully he floats down to the deck with her calmly.
“Did you truly not know who I was?” Ares eyes them suspiciously.
“We did not.” Answers Hallthor for Kol who is still staring daggers at Ares.
“I did lord Ares but before I could explain it to the others you had attacked me.” Curios replies flatly.
“Be thankful I didn’t kill you.” He snaps looking at Curios. “The reason I came here was to speak with Kol.”
“I’m listening.” Kol growls.
“I have a proposition for you and your companions, I ask that you send the kraken to Vasos but instead of it helping him have it destroy the ship. In return for this favor I will tell you the answer to the riddle and transport you directly to the location of the second quest once you have completed the first. Just think of it you could cut the danger your friends face in half, what do you say?”
Kol’s hard look softens as he thinks of how nice it would be to know for sure that his brothers would be in much less danger.
After a minute Kol gets an evil smile. “You are generous Lord Ares and you know how to bargain. I must admit that the thought of my brothers being in less danger is appealing, perhaps you, I a
nd Lady Eris should speak further in private.”
“You’re not actually considering this, are you Kol?” Questions Hallthor unable to believe what he’s hearing.
“Think of it Hallthor we’d be done with the quests quickly and get the admiration of the gods for it, plus you would and Curios would be in much less danger.”
“What about Vasos and the other demigods?” Questions Curios.
“What about them we don’t even know them and think about it, in the first message we offer to send them help and what do they offer in return? To help solve a riddle that’s all, now wait here and relax while I talk with lord Ares.” He answers sharply.
Without waiting for a response Kol turns walking into the captain’s cabin followed by Eris and Ares who smirks at Curios and Hallthor.
“I can’t believe this is happening.” Says Curios.
“Me either.” Agrees Kol standing beside him. “How many terrible things can happen to us?”
“Kol? I thought you…what’s going on here?”
“Trick of the light my friends Ares and Eris are talking with an illusion that is agreeing with them, I would never actually betray Vasos and his friends. So I figured that while they are busy we will send the kraken to help the others that way they can’t interfere and it gives you time to contact your father as well. In the meantime Hallthor, you and I have to figure out what we’re going to do about the two all-powerful beings that are going to want us dead when they find out I tricked them.”
Immortals Children Of The Gods Page 26